1
$\begingroup$

While deriving the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation why don't we consider the hydrolysis reaction? For example if we consider an acidic buffer of acetic acid and sodium acetate, why do we not consider the hydrolysis of the acetate ion furnished by sodium acetate?

$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Unclear what you mean here. Isn't the whole point that you are accounting for the interaction of the acid and conjugate base with water via the equilibrium? $\endgroup$
    – Zhe
    Commented Mar 6, 2019 at 18:50

1 Answer 1

4
$\begingroup$

Just because it's negligible.

Well, I tried to make some calculations. I was too lazy to make them using all this internal stackexchange math system, so I hope you'll understand my handwriting.

I also need to say what conditions I used: activity=equilibrium concentration; I didn't care much about hydroxonium, because it doesn't change anything; I used 0.1M solutions of both acetate and acid just because I wanted to.

The conclusion is: really, if you have 0.1M solutions, a change in 10-10M will change absolutely nothing, so why suffer and not neglect this?

P. S. All calculations made in Excel 2013 :)

enter image description here

$\endgroup$
2
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Do you mind using MathJax? Images are not easily searchable? $\endgroup$ Commented Sep 29, 2017 at 10:46
  • $\begingroup$ @PrittBalagopal I probably will, but not in the middle of working day :) $\endgroup$ Commented Sep 29, 2017 at 12:25

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.